London Dayz
Jun 7th, 2008, 05:49 AM
#23
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THE BOROUGH MARKET
Is another fine and rather weird component of a South Bank walk.
A few blocks off the Thames and ensconced under a maze of grimy railway viaducts, Borough Market is both one of the most unique looking markets and one of the most famous in London. And it's also London's oldest market - extant from Roman days when a Thames bridge was located here. Today's market has been on the same site for some 250 years.
Indeed many folks make pilgrimages here for its eclectic array of fine and natural foods. Not just the normal fruit and veg market, though there is that component as well, the stalls here - permanent stalls host many gourmet (from what i saw) and organic, etc. food stuffs.
Indeed the market bills itself as 'London's most important retail market for fine foods'.
The famed Neal's Yard Dairy has a stall here for its esoteric cheeses and dairy products.
A great place to pick up picnic supplies for a picnic along the South Bank IME
http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/index.php
Is another fine and rather weird component of a South Bank walk.
A few blocks off the Thames and ensconced under a maze of grimy railway viaducts, Borough Market is both one of the most unique looking markets and one of the most famous in London. And it's also London's oldest market - extant from Roman days when a Thames bridge was located here. Today's market has been on the same site for some 250 years.
Indeed many folks make pilgrimages here for its eclectic array of fine and natural foods. Not just the normal fruit and veg market, though there is that component as well, the stalls here - permanent stalls host many gourmet (from what i saw) and organic, etc. food stuffs.
Indeed the market bills itself as 'London's most important retail market for fine foods'.
The famed Neal's Yard Dairy has a stall here for its esoteric cheeses and dairy products.
A great place to pick up picnic supplies for a picnic along the South Bank IME
http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/index.php
Jun 7th, 2008, 09:19 AM
#24
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Neals Yard Dairy
Cheese retailer. Information on London shops, markets attended and online sales. Includes lists of cheeses stocked with milks and rennet used, descriptions, ...
www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/
Cheese retailer. Information on London shops, markets attended and online sales. Includes lists of cheeses stocked with milks and rennet used, descriptions, ...
www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/
Jun 8th, 2008, 07:37 AM
#25
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SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
Hovering over the Borough Market complex is the ancient Southwark Cathedral.
"And so over the fields to Southwarke. I spent half an hour in St Mary Overy's church, where are fine monuments of great antiquity." Samuel Pepys - 21st July 1663
And the fine monuments of great antiquity still grace parts of the ancient church, another component of a South Bank walk.
http://www.southwark.anglican.org/ca...org/cathedral/
Hovering over the Borough Market complex is the ancient Southwark Cathedral.
"And so over the fields to Southwarke. I spent half an hour in St Mary Overy's church, where are fine monuments of great antiquity." Samuel Pepys - 21st July 1663
And the fine monuments of great antiquity still grace parts of the ancient church, another component of a South Bank walk.
http://www.southwark.anglican.org/ca...org/cathedral/
Jun 9th, 2008, 04:04 AM
#26
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Shakespeares Brother is buried in Southwark Cathedral (BTW - there are two Southwark Cathedrals - the RC one is near Waterloo).
Southwark was famous for the Winchester Geese (look it up) Something they neglected to tell us about at Winchester (wonder why?)
If you're in the Southwark area there are some superb pubs in the area (and of course the famous George where Shakespeare's plays were performed (along with Webster's, Jonson's and Marlowes').
It's also where John Harvard lived, and is where the pilgrims set out from in the Canterbury Tales. (The pub's gone - but the street - Tabard St is still there)
Southwark was famous for the Winchester Geese (look it up) Something they neglected to tell us about at Winchester (wonder why?)
If you're in the Southwark area there are some superb pubs in the area (and of course the famous George where Shakespeare's plays were performed (along with Webster's, Jonson's and Marlowes').
It's also where John Harvard lived, and is where the pilgrims set out from in the Canterbury Tales. (The pub's gone - but the street - Tabard St is still there)
Jun 9th, 2008, 04:13 AM
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Thanks so much for all these lovely details! We will be in London in 5 1/2 weeks (about ready to start counting hours!) and on our 3rd day, our "plan" is the Tower early, the Tower Bridge and then the rest of the day, as long as we can make it, along the South Bank. So I wanted you to know how helpful all these facts are. Keep sharing!
Jun 9th, 2008, 05:49 AM
#28
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thank you Texasbookworm - and thanks to likes of Janisj and CW who do know much more about the South Bank than i - take their recommendations to the bank - the South Bank that is.
Jun 9th, 2008, 06:50 AM
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BUTLER'S WHARF
Not far from the Globe/Tate Modern area of the South Bank Riverside Walk is Butler's Wharf, which was (taken from its web site) "completed in 1873 and was once the largest warehouse complex on the Thames. Having remained derelict after closure in 1972, this early SE1 development is perhaps best known for Terence Conran's restaurants such as Le Pont de la Tour, where the Clintons and Blairs famously dined. The Wharf is also home to gastronomic delights such as the Butler's Wharf Chop House, Cantina del Ponte, Bengal Clipper, Captain Tony's Pizza & Pasta Emporium and Pizza Express. Conran's acclaimed Design Museum also houses the Blue Print Cafe."
www.london-se1.co.uk/areas/butlers.htm
Note - I've always viewed Butler's Wharf as kind of a tourist trap but reading about it on the web site perks my interest that there is indeed some fine eateries here - anyone another unique element of the South Bank experience.
Not far from the Globe/Tate Modern area of the South Bank Riverside Walk is Butler's Wharf, which was (taken from its web site) "completed in 1873 and was once the largest warehouse complex on the Thames. Having remained derelict after closure in 1972, this early SE1 development is perhaps best known for Terence Conran's restaurants such as Le Pont de la Tour, where the Clintons and Blairs famously dined. The Wharf is also home to gastronomic delights such as the Butler's Wharf Chop House, Cantina del Ponte, Bengal Clipper, Captain Tony's Pizza & Pasta Emporium and Pizza Express. Conran's acclaimed Design Museum also houses the Blue Print Cafe."
www.london-se1.co.uk/areas/butlers.htm
Note - I've always viewed Butler's Wharf as kind of a tourist trap but reading about it on the web site perks my interest that there is indeed some fine eateries here - anyone another unique element of the South Bank experience.
Jun 9th, 2008, 10:40 AM
#30
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Appears i may have mixed up location of Butler's Wharf with another one - i'm researching it but perhaps Butler's Wharf, though still on the South Bank, is a bit downstream after Tower Bridge. Stand corrected. but still close to the proper South Bank Walkway
Jun 9th, 2008, 11:38 AM
#31
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Pal, I think you were thinking of the Oxo Tower, by Blackfriars Bridge, a modern complex built around a landmark building from the early 20th century. It has a restaurant and a brasserie. The tower itself has a little place in history - the original developer wasn't allowed to add illuminated advertising, even under the then undeveloped planning laws and policies, so he simply built windows that spelt out the product (Oxo) in the appropriate colours, and lit them from behind.
And don't forget Gabriel's Wharf, a slightly ramshackle collection of small shops and cafés nearby.
And don't forget Gabriel's Wharf, a slightly ramshackle collection of small shops and cafés nearby.
Jun 10th, 2008, 02:46 AM
#32
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There is an ongoing battle between the restaurant review sites and smutty little oiks like me to slip in the filthiest "review" of the Oxo Tower. This is my favourite:
" When my boyfriend told me he wanted to take me up the Oxo Tower for my birthday, I was a bit hesitant at first because I didn't really think it was my scene. How wrong I was! I mean, yeah, so it's a bit of a strain on the old back pocket, and I admit I did feel a bit uncomfortable initially. But a couple of cocktails helped me relax and soon I was really getting into it - we carried on well into the night. It was a great experience and I really loved it - so much so that I won't let my boyfriend take me anywhere else now! So if anyone ever wants to take you up the Oxo Tower, just throw caution to the wind and go for it!"
So if someone offers to take you up the Oxo Tower you might want to get some clarification on what precisely is being proposed
" When my boyfriend told me he wanted to take me up the Oxo Tower for my birthday, I was a bit hesitant at first because I didn't really think it was my scene. How wrong I was! I mean, yeah, so it's a bit of a strain on the old back pocket, and I admit I did feel a bit uncomfortable initially. But a couple of cocktails helped me relax and soon I was really getting into it - we carried on well into the night. It was a great experience and I really loved it - so much so that I won't let my boyfriend take me anywhere else now! So if anyone ever wants to take you up the Oxo Tower, just throw caution to the wind and go for it!"
So if someone offers to take you up the Oxo Tower you might want to get some clarification on what precisely is being proposed
Jun 10th, 2008, 05:59 AM
#33
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OXO TOWER
had previously escaped my consciousness even though i must have walked by its Thames-side base many times. Rather interesting history and a rather renown restaurant in the tower part itself.
Oh well something 'new' to investigate next time on my Thames Path South Bank stroll.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OXO_Tower
had previously escaped my consciousness even though i must have walked by its Thames-side base many times. Rather interesting history and a rather renown restaurant in the tower part itself.
Oh well something 'new' to investigate next time on my Thames Path South Bank stroll.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OXO_Tower
Jun 10th, 2008, 06:29 AM
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My Tea Shop, 23 Duke Street Hill SE1 2SW
My Tea Shop, London SE1 2SW: contact details, location and user reviews.
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaura...95/my-tea-shop
My Tea Shop, London SE1 2SW: contact details, location and user reviews.
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaura...95/my-tea-shop
Jun 11th, 2008, 06:30 AM
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www.wrightbros.eu.com
Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House, 11 Stoney Street SE1 9AD
Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House, London SE1 9AD: contact details, location and user reviews.
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaura...d-porter-house
Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House, 11 Stoney Street SE1 9AD
Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House, London SE1 9AD: contact details, location and user reviews.
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaura...d-porter-house
Jun 11th, 2008, 10:08 AM
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BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE
As long as we are in this area of the South Bank - as the Thames Walkway passes under the ancient Blackfriars Bridge there are (if i recall right) tiles with long pictorial records of the building of the original Blackfriars Bridge in the 1760s or so.
It makes an interesting commentary, reading these panels, from the walkway about the long long history of one of the oldest parts of London and the building of this vital bridge.
The bridge itself is one of London's most noteworthy - in terms of construction technique and history (the two bridges - a road and pedestrian span and a parallel rail bridge dating from about the same period when today's bridge was rebuilt in 1869
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfriars_Bridge
As long as we are in this area of the South Bank - as the Thames Walkway passes under the ancient Blackfriars Bridge there are (if i recall right) tiles with long pictorial records of the building of the original Blackfriars Bridge in the 1760s or so.
It makes an interesting commentary, reading these panels, from the walkway about the long long history of one of the oldest parts of London and the building of this vital bridge.
The bridge itself is one of London's most noteworthy - in terms of construction technique and history (the two bridges - a road and pedestrian span and a parallel rail bridge dating from about the same period when today's bridge was rebuilt in 1869
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfriars_Bridge
Jun 11th, 2008, 10:25 AM
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Thank you so much for all of this info PalenQ. Last Novemeber, I took a couple of "London Walks" around the South Bank and totally loved it. Now I can't wait to take DBF there to experience this particular area of London with all of these details you and others have provided. Wish we had enough money to afford a little bolt hole in England!
Jun 12th, 2008, 10:27 AM
#40
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THE MILLENNIUM BRIDGE
To help mark the new Millennium many projects were launched across Britain such as London's infamous Millennium Dome and the Millennium Bridge, the first new bridge to span the Thames since Tower Bridge opened in 1894.
This pedestrian span became rather controversial in its design, which incorporated a bit of wobble in it - but when the bridge opened to the public and folks thronged onto it the wobble unpredictably became much more a wobble than designers had planned and folks panicked when the thought the bridge could collapse.
park designed i believe by Sir Foster i read later that he steadfastly maintained there was no design flaw but in any case the bridge was closed immediatlely upon its opening for needed stabilizing things to prevent too much wobble.
It quickly became known as the Wobbly Bridge.
But in any case to cross the Millennium Bridge is a highlight of any South Bank walk.
The bridge leads from the Tate Modern over the Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and was so designed to provide a smashing view of St Paul's southern facade as you cross the bridge walking north - and the bridge walkway takes you right to St Paul's.
And from the middle of the bridge are wonderful photo ops up and down the Thames.
The bridge is rather wondrously floodlit in colored lights at night and a night view from it over London is also great.
http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-...+Bridge+London
To help mark the new Millennium many projects were launched across Britain such as London's infamous Millennium Dome and the Millennium Bridge, the first new bridge to span the Thames since Tower Bridge opened in 1894.
This pedestrian span became rather controversial in its design, which incorporated a bit of wobble in it - but when the bridge opened to the public and folks thronged onto it the wobble unpredictably became much more a wobble than designers had planned and folks panicked when the thought the bridge could collapse.
park designed i believe by Sir Foster i read later that he steadfastly maintained there was no design flaw but in any case the bridge was closed immediatlely upon its opening for needed stabilizing things to prevent too much wobble.
It quickly became known as the Wobbly Bridge.
But in any case to cross the Millennium Bridge is a highlight of any South Bank walk.
The bridge leads from the Tate Modern over the Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and was so designed to provide a smashing view of St Paul's southern facade as you cross the bridge walking north - and the bridge walkway takes you right to St Paul's.
And from the middle of the bridge are wonderful photo ops up and down the Thames.
The bridge is rather wondrously floodlit in colored lights at night and a night view from it over London is also great.
http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-...+Bridge+London
